Custody

Definition - What does Custody mean?

Custody means control over, possession of, or in charge of a specific person or object. For example, a parent has custody of their children. Custody is relevant in criminal law,when authorities are deciding whether or not a person had custody of a certain object. The object could be drugs, drug paraphernalia, a weapon, etc.

Justipedia explains Custody

Essentially, custody is just the degree to which a person has control over or responsibility for someone or something. Custody commonly comes up in family law. When a couple gets divorced, there are often disputes over who should get custody of the children. In these cases, the judge will hear arguments from both sides and make the decision. Sometimes, one partner gets full custody and sometimes each partner is given joint custody.